HES Patch Versus Blood Patch

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The injection of autologous blood Blood Patch (BP) into the epidural space is the standard treatment for headache associated with intracranial hypotension. It provokes cerebral vasoconstriction. It is cons-indicated in a number of situations (HIV positive, fever, sepsis, leukemia). The purpose of this study is to evaluate another technique using a patch made by injecting an epidural hydroxyethylstarch solution (HES 130, 0.4, 6%) instead of blood patch. This alternative technique is simple to implement and does not have some of the specific blood pressure contra-indications. The study aims at comparing the "Blood Patch" group versus the "HES Patch" in terms of clinical efficacy , tolerance, satisfaction of the anesthetist, ease of implementation and effect of the injection of epidural anesthesia on cerebral blood flow within 24 hours.

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